KILLIAN PHILLIPS was hailed by fans after Republic of Ireland debut against Senegal on Friday night.
The 23-year-old Irish midfielder currently came from the bench to make his senior international bow during the 1-1 draw in Dublin.
Phillip, who is currently on loan from Crystal Palace to St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership emotionally opened up in a post-game interview on RTE.
The Kilbarrack native began his football journey with Kilbarrack United and later played for Corduff and St Kevin’s Boys before returning to Kilbarrack.
After being turned down by Bohemians and Shelbourne at the under-17 level, he joined Drogheda United’s academy in 2020.
Phillips made his senior debut for Drogheda in April 2021 and scored his first goal the following month.
His performances caught the attention of Crystal Palace, leading to his signing in January 2022.
And the Dubliner hailed all the people who helped him achieve his dream of playing for Ireland after calling his debut the greatest and proudest moment of his life.
The midfielder said: “The proudest moment of my life, for sure. There’s been a lot of sacrifices over the years, and stuff like that.
“All I ever wanted to do was play for my country – if it was U15s,21s, amateur of whatever… I just wanted to wear the green jersey once.
“I’m a bit emotional after it – at the minute – but I’m over the moon. You mentioned the clubs I played for, I just want to thank everyone who has brought me through, and looked after me over the years.
“”But again, I’m over the moon, yeah.
“That’s the beauty of football – there’s no right way to do it. Every day I gave my all, and sacrificed so much growing up.
“I never really partied growing up or anything like that. I probably lived a more boring life than a lot of people but for days like this – that’s what all the sacrifices are for.
“And this is all I ever wanted to do is wear this green jersey, so yeah it’s superb… the moment of my life.”
Fans loved the emotional interview as they hailed the Irish star on social media.
One said: “Great stuff Killian.”
Another wrote: “Congratulations, great to see and hear how proud he is to represent his country.”
A third commented: “Magnificent interview fair play lad.”
While a fourth penned: “Well done Killian – the buddies are all really proud of you too!”
The newly capped Ireland star will be hoping to earn another appearance as Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side play Luxembourg on Tuesday,
